David Filner assumed the administrative leadership of the San Antonio Symphony in November, 2012. Led by Music Director Sebastian Lang-Lessing, the San Antonio Symphony is celebrating its 73rd year this season.

Note: This is an mySA.com City Brights Blog. These blogs are not written or edited by mySA or the San Antonio Express-News. The authors are solely responsible for the content.

Carver Community Cultural Center

The Carver Community Cultural Center has announced their eclectic 2011-2012 season. There is quite a variety of amazing shows here. Two of their 12 subscription performances particularly caught my eye. In June, to conclude the season, they are presenting jazz bass legend Stanley Clarke. When I was a bass student back in the 1970s, Clarke took the bass world by storm. He was in Return to Forever with Chick Corea. Here is a video of Clarke with Gregory Hines:

Another highlight of the Carver season is in December, when they present Three Mo’ Tenors. I’ve heard about this group because of their many successful performances with symphony orchestras around the country. They capitalized on all the hype around The Three Tenors concerts. But, they present a variety of music from opera to rock to spirituals. I’ve been wanting to hear them for some time.

Also, please note that the Carver is collaborating with KRTU and their Year of Jazz. KRTU is producing events throughout the city to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Here is their 2011-2012 season from the Carver web site:

Rachelle Ferrell
November 12, 2011, 8:00 p.m.

This well respected jazz singer is also an accomplished pianist, violinist and has an amazing six plus octave range. Rachelle is also an accomplished artist in pop, R&B, gospel, and classical music and has worked with some of the top names in show business including Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, and George Duke.

Three Mo’ Tenors

December 3, 2011, 8:00 p.m.

THREE MO’ TENORS showcases the extraordinary versatility of African-American tenors who have developed a musical repertoire with astonishing breadth. They have mastered not only operatic music, but also jazz, blues, soul, broadway, rock, new school, world, gospel and spirituals as well.

The Renaissance Guild & the Carver Present Black Nativity

December 9, 2011 8:00 p.m.& December 11, 2011 4:00 p.m.

Black Nativity, the creation of poet and playwright Langston Hughes, is the Christmas story told in narrative, dance, gospel song and folk spirituals. There is no better way to usher in the holiday season than this hand-clapping toe-tapping gospel celebration of Christmas.

The Spirit of Uganda

January 14, 2012 8:00 p.m.

A vibrant cast of 22 performers, ages 8-18, bring to life the sounds and movements of East Africa using with their melodic tones of standing drums, layered rhythms and dramatic choreography. These children personify the resilience and promise of Africa’s next generation as they promote awareness of Uganda’s dual crises of AIDS and civil war.

Lionel Loueke Trio

February 4, 2012 8:00 p.m.

Originally from the small West African nation of Benin, guitarist Lionel Loueke has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past several years. Loueke combines harmonic sophistication, soaring melody, a deep knowledge of African music and conventional and extended guitar techniques to create a warm and evocative sound of his own.

Jeff Lofton: 1950’s Miles Davis Tribute

February 11, 2012 8:00 p.m.

In collaboration with Trinity University’s KRTU 91.7, The Carver presents jazz trumpeter Jeff Lofton as part of a community-wide celebration of KRTU’s 10th anniversary of providing San Antonio professional jazz programming. Lofton has played trumpet for over 30 years and is known for his unique blend of the old school and new styles of jazz.

Luna Negra Dance Theater

March 9, 2012 8:00 p.m.

Luna Negra celebrates the richness and diversity of Latino culture through the creation of works by contemporary Latino choreographers. Steering away from stereotypes and folkloric representations, the company performs works of contemporary Latino dance with energy, power, and passion.

Black Violin

March 30, 2012 8:00 p.m.

To most people, jazz, hip-hop, funk, and classical are musical genres. But to revolutionary music group Black Violin, they’re nothing but ingredients. Combining a daunting array of musical styles and influences to produce a signature sound that is not quite maestro, this group of two classically-trained violinists (Wil B and Kev Marcus) and their DJ are redefining the music world-one string at a time.

The Mystical Arts of Tibet: Sacred Music, Sacred Dance

April 13, 2012 8:00 p.m.

In recent years The Mystical Arts of Tibet tours, featuring the famed multi-phonic singers of Drepung Loseling monastery, have taken the world by storm. The Mystical Arts of Tibet tours perform as a means of promoting world peace and healing through sacred performing art.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre

May 5, 2012 8:00 p.m.

The Dallas Black Dance Theatre is a nationally recognized professional modern dance company; the oldest continuously operating professional dance company in Dallas, Texas. The professional dance company’s repertory is comprised of modern, jazz, ethnic and spiritual works by nationally and internationally known choreographers.

Stanley Clarke Band

June 2, 2012 8:00 p.m.

Recording artist, performer, composer, conductor, arranger, producer and film score composer, Stanley Clarke is one of the most celebrated bass players in the world. Unquestionably, he has attained “living legend” status during his 36 year career as a bass virtuoso.

TICKET INFORMATION
Season subscriptions for the 12 performances are available for only $275 per seat and are available through the Carver Box Office. In addition to the twelve performances at The Carver, being a subscriber for the 2011-2012 Season also gains you free admission to an additional twelve performances as part of a community-wide celebration of KRTU’s 10th anniversary of providing San Antonio professional jazz programming, the Year of Jazz. For additional season subscription information, please call (210) 207-2234. Individual tickets go on sale, October 1, 2011; discounts are available for students, teachers, seniors, military and groups. Individual tickets may be purchased through all Ticketmaster outlets by calling (800) 745-3000, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Carver Box Office located at 226 N. Hackberry. The Carver Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 3 hours prior to curtain.

For more information about the performance or individual artists, visit www.thecarver.org or call (210) 207-7211.